Looks like I’ll need to update my MNL signature, the Model 3 has indeed arrived in Chicagoland (rare glimpse charging at a local Tesla service center earlier today) ... earlier in the month, a black one was also spotted downtown. Simply gorgeous car in Pearl White Multi-coat.

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Last point to those who have the IL EL electric vehicle plate series -- these will typically run for 2-years at a renewal cost of $35; I just received my plate renewal in the mail from IL SOS and it was $48; no mention of an increase posted on their web site ... anyone else see something similar ? It's only $13 more but no explanation; still a decent discount over the regular $101/yr.

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Last point to those who have the IL EL electric vehicle plate series -- these will typically run for 2-years at a renewal cost of $35; I just received my plate renewal in the mail from IL SOS and it was $48; no mention of an increase posted on their web site ... anyone else see something similar ? It's only $13 more but no explanation; still a decent discount over the regular $101/yr.

I received mine for $48 as well. I went to my local SOS office and inquired, and they told me it was an error on their end - $48 was the price for vanity EL plates (didn't know that was even an option?). They said they would take my $35 now and have Springfield send me my sticker, or just come back in a few weeks and it should be sorted out. I opted to come back; we shall see.

Looks like I’ll need to go to IL SOS office, they sent me a reminder via email yesterday and it still added the extra $13, as I typically have a day off during the week and we have one close by not an issue - it’s only $13 but if not corrected I’m sure the next one would have it again!

New Chevy Bolt sporting plate 7004 EL was spotted in the North Shore area of Chicago 'burbs yesterday; once Tesla Model 3's start showing up would imagine that we'll quickly pass the 8000 mark as well .. my prediction that we would see this level by August came true ! Of course its simply one data element as we see vanity and 'regular' plates on IL EV's as well.

I would wonder how much longer (you know they'll change it --- state is looking to boost revenues) they'll offer these discounted plates to cars that don't pay any gas taxes ... the EL plates are the last incentive that is still offered in Chicagoland; we saw the demise of the IL EV 10% rebate along with the 50% EVSE one; IL must think that the local market is simply saturated with EV owners (not)

New Chevy Bolt sporting plate 7004 EL was spotted in the North Shore area of Chicago 'burbs yesterday; once Tesla Model 3's start showing up would imagine that we'll quickly pass the 8000 mark as well .. my prediction that we would see this level by August came true ! Of course its simply one data element as we see vanity and 'regular' plates on IL EV's as well.

I would wonder how much longer (you know they'll change it --- state is looking to boost revenues) they'll offer these discounted plates to cars that don't pay any gas taxes ... the EL plates are the last incentive that is still offered in Chicagoland; we saw the demise of the IL EV 10% rebate along with the 50% EVSE one; IL must think that the local market is simply saturated with EV owners (not)

8000 mark has been passed -- saw 8054 EL just last week -- was on a Tesla Model S, so that's about 3 months and about 400 or so new EV's (again, not an exact science; some IL new EV owners get one of the many special issue or vanity plates, etc.). Let's see how fast we get to the 9000 level.

Also went to the Chicago Auto Show to check out the new EV's -- Nissan did have the new LEAF, an improvement over the first gen; no VW e-Golf but Chevy had 2 Bolt's -- one with cloth base seats and one with the higher trim level -- quite utilitarian but fairly anonymous in styling. Also checked out the PHEV Mitsubishi Outlander -- it was in a rather unusual brown metallic color and priced in the mid $40K range (22 miles of EV range ??). What was more interesting is that the PHEV's from most manufacturers simply did NOT indicate 100% electric range anywhere -- for the price premium over all-gas its almost an afterthought and I guess not important !!

On a side note (and great timing) Tesla now has a Model 3 that you can check out in-person (no test drives yet) at their downtown Gold Coast location -- in red no less; link to store location as well as a fan post from another forum

You must have made a similar days adventure as I did. Went to the Auto Show.. then lunch... then Tesla Gold Coast. Pretty awesome! Seeing the Model 3 was awesome for me and the highlight of my day as I'm a Day 1 Reservation holder who waited since 6am and was about 15-20th in line at OakBrook. I also saw the LEAF at Al Piemonte Nissan days before and was more impressed with the one they had on display as it wasn't tainted with the ProPilot advertisement paint on the side of the doors. See my pics at... https://www.facebook.com/KevinBarkerDJK ... nref=story

New Chevy Bolt sporting plate 7004 EL was spotted in the North Shore area of Chicago 'burbs yesterday; once Tesla Model 3's start showing up would imagine that we'll quickly pass the 8000 mark as well .. my prediction that we would see this level by August came true ! Of course its simply one data element as we see vanity and 'regular' plates on IL EV's as well.

I would wonder how much longer (you know they'll change it --- state is looking to boost revenues) they'll offer these discounted plates to cars that don't pay any gas taxes ... the EL plates are the last incentive that is still offered in Chicagoland; we saw the demise of the IL EV 10% rebate along with the 50% EVSE one; IL must think that the local market is simply saturated with EV owners (not)

8000 mark has been passed -- saw 8054 EL just last week -- was on a Tesla Model S, so that's about 3 months and about 400 or so new EV's (again, not an exact science; some IL new EV owners get one of the many special issue or vanity plates, etc.). Let's see how fast we get to the 9000 level.

Also went to the Chicago Auto Show to check out the new EV's -- Nissan did have the new LEAF, an improvement over the first gen; no VW e-Golf but Chevy had 2 Bolt's -- one with cloth base seats and one with the higher trim level -- quite utilitarian but fairly anonymous in styling. Also checked out the PHEV Mitsubishi Outlander -- it was in a rather unusual brown metallic color and priced in the mid $40K range (22 miles of EV range ??). What was more interesting is that the PHEV's from most manufacturers simply did NOT indicate 100% electric range anywhere -- for the price premium over all-gas its almost an afterthought and I guess not important !!

On a side note (and great timing) Tesla now has a Model 3 that you can check out in-person (no test drives yet) at their downtown Gold Coast location -- in red no less; link to store location as well as a fan post from another forum